The stem cells, which are tissue repair cells called ixmyelocel-T, are used to re-grow craniofacial tissue

Humans with jawbone deficiencies in need of dental implants could benefit from a new stem cell trial conducted by Michigan researchers.

Darnell Kaigler, study leader from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, along with William Giannobile, co-author and director of the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research, and Aastrom Biosciences Inc. collaborated to create a stem cell-based method for bone regeneration.

"In patients with jawbone deficiencies who also have missing teeth, it is very difficult to replace the missing teeth so that they look and function naturally," said Kaigler. "This technology and approach could potentially be used to restore areas of bone loss so that missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants."

The stem cells, which are tissue repair cells called ixmyelocel-T, are used to re-grow craniofacial tissue. They are taken from bone marrow from the patient's own hip and grown using Aastrom Biosciences Inc.'s proprietary system.

To put ixmyelocel-T to the test, the team conducted a human trial where 24 patients with jawbone deficiencies and missing teeth were split into two groups: one that received the stem cell treatment, and the other that received convention bone regeneration treatment.

The stem cells were placed into the mouth and jaw. Patients were observed after six and 12 weeks, and according to the results, those receiving the stem cell treatment experienced faster bone repair and greater bone density than those with traditional bone therapy. Also, the stem cell group required less secondary bone grafting for implants.

This type of treatment could be used for those born with defects or those who've suffered trauma or certain diseases. However, more clinical trials are required before these stem cell therapies can be used regularly.